The meeting took place before the Pontiff left for the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in the Paul VI Hall.
Photo: Vatican Media.
Newsroom (05/10/2024 15:40, Gaudium Press) This Friday morning, October 4, Pope Francis received in the audience at the Vatican the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov.
Photo: Vatican Media.
Meeting with the Holy See’s Secretary of State
The meeting took place before the Pontiff left for the work of the 2nd General Congregation of the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in the Paul VI Hall.
After meeting the Holy Father, Zhaparov was received by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
Photo: Vatican Media.
Subjects discussed during the meeting at the Vatican
Among the subjects discussed by the audience at the Secretariat of State were the good relations between the Holy See and Kyrgyzstan, and mutual cooperation in the fields of health, education, and culture and some aspects of the life of the local Church.
According to the Press Office, there was also an “exchange of views on current international affairs, with special attention to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian issues, noting the importance of an urgent commitment to promoting peace”.
Photo: Vatican Media.
Exchange of gifts between the Pope and the president of Kyrgyzstan
During the traditional exchange of gifts, Francis presented the president of Kyrgyzstan with a terracotta sculpture entitled ‘Love and Tenderness’, a photo book about the Apostolic Palace, and this year’s Message for Peace.
Sadyr Zhaparov presented the Pontiff with a painting made of colored wool depicting St. Peter’s Basilica, a handmade tea set made with silver from the country’s mines and two decorated jars containing the country’s world-renowned honey, considered one of the best in the world. (EPC)